Who Are You Being?

Who Are You Being?

Article excerpt

"Leadership is first being, then doing" suggests management guru, Warren Bennis. But what exactly does he mean by this?

I believe that this points to a fundamental unease in leadership. Most leaders I spend time with are intelligent, articulate and good decision makers. They typically have excellent knowledge, skills and techniques and are impressive planners and strategists. But all of these qualities don't necessarily make them effective. And when I ask these same people who they want to 'be' as a leader, they frequently look at me with bewilderment.

The challenge I am making when I ask this question, however, is central to leadership. In essence leaders need to shift the belief that if they can just think clearly enough and work hard enough, then this will be enough to create success. It won't be. These qualities are certainly valuable, but it is through knowing who they want to 'be' and acting in accordance with this sense of themselves, that leaders will develop purpose and velocity in both their business and home lives.

So who do you want to be as a leader?

If you are curious about this question, then start by looking to the future. Exactly what sort of man or woman do you want to become? What do you want your colleagues or peers to be saying about you? What kind of impact do you want to make on those people with whom you come into contact? …